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Cahill gets in first spring start for D-backs

Looking ahead to 2014, 25-year-old Trevor Cahill could win double-digit games with an ERA around 4.00, but his low strikeout rate limits him

By Steve Gilbert and Chris Gabel
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MLB.com |

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Trevor Cahill was able to get his outing in before the rain ended the D-backs' game against the Brewers on Saturday with one out in the bottom of the fifth.

Cahill, who was making his first start of the spring, allowed one run on two hits in 3 1/3 innings.

"I think he was pretty pumped up," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. "He was pretty excited. Probably ball was up a little bit, pretty good secondary stuff -- overall, he got his innings in and that was the most important part."

Cahill struck out four, walked one and hit a batter.

"My curveball was working, I was throwing it for a strike when I had to, which was a good sign," Cahill said. "My changeup was really bad until I kind of get the feel for it again. It's usually one of the tougher pitches to get the hang of."

The start of the game was delayed by rain for 36 minutes, but the D-backs wanted to play so Cahill would be able to get his work in.

Prior to Saturday, Cahill had only thrown simulated games and live batting-practice sessions.

"You can't really prepare by throwing live BPs with no fielders and you throw 15 [pitches] and get out of there," Cahill said. "It's not the same as having to get three outs. So it was definitely nice to get the first one out of the way."

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Inside the D-backs, and follow him on Twitter @SteveGilbertMLB. Chris Gabel is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.